Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., M.B.A., was elected 17th President of Howard University in July 2014. The Howard University Board of Trustees announced today that President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D., is stepping down as the 18th  president of Howard University. He began serving as president in September 2023 and stepped down on August 31, 2025. The Board has appointed Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick to serve as interim president. This position will conclude following a comprehensive national search and the selection of the next permanent president.